Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th President of the United States of America

President Joseph “Joe” Biden was sworn in on Wednesday, January 20 on the steps of the Capitol Building.  Due to security concerns following the January 6 attack on the Capitol, the crowd was limited to far fewer than the usual thousands of citizens that come to see the inauguration of the new President of the United States (POTUS). Some of Biden’s exclusive guest list included celebrities like Lady Gaga, who performed the National Anthem and Jennifer Lopez, who sang “This Land is Your Land” and “America the Beautiful.” Poet Amanda Gorman recited an original poem titled “The Hill We Climb,” focused on unity and healing. Vice President Kamala Harris voiced her pride towards the people of the United States after being sworn in as the country’s first female vice president. During his inaugural address, Biden emphasized unity in response to the recent storming of the Capitol. 

“We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue, rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal. We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts,” said Biden.

Though many past presidents attended, there was the obvious absence of now former President Trump, who is the first POTUS in 152 years to refuse to attend. He left earlier in the day, traveling to his home in Florida during his last few hours of his presidency.

The whole day went without any major incidents or faults, despite the security concerns, and Biden officially began his presidency at noon. To finish off the day, Katy Perry performed her song “Firework” during a fireworks display over the White House.